Watch CBS News

Flooding, Accidents Cause Major Setback On I-25 Construction

DENVER (CBS4) - This week's flooding caused setbacks for one of the biggest construction headaches in the Denver metro area.

The area of U.S. 6 and Interstate 25 flooded on Tuesday and drivers will paid the price. On Friday night the Colorado Department of Transportation implemented a triple lane closure of southbound I-25 at U.S. 6. At midnight it turned into a full southbound closure to Alameda until 7 a.m. on Saturday.

This week's excessive rainfall created a lot of headaches for CDOT employees working on the construction project around I-25 and U.S. 6.

"We had a lot of rain in short time. It was also rush hour. All of these compacted to make the perfect storm and some standing water that created some delays," CDOT spokesperson Crystal Morgan said.

Just as those problems were corrected, three accidents in the construction zone Thursday night prompted further delays. CDOT says it's another reminder about the hazards of reckless driving.

"Our crews do not have any protection except for some cones, so to just make sure you're driving without distraction, especially in our work zones," Morgan said.

CDOT says the setbacks forced them to add the Friday night closures. The same closure will be in place Saturday starting at 10 p.m. until Sunday morning. They are preparations for two larger projects, which will ultimately add a fourth lane on Santa Fe and replace bridges on U.S. 6.

Morgan says the long-term advantages will offset short-term discomfort.

"We ask for patience, especially this summer. It's a huge summer for construction. Just be patient with us. It's going to bring about a lot of benefits," she said.

Two lanes on northbound I-25 will also be closed Saturday from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. Sunday.

The major construction project begins next weekend with even more closures.

LINK: Traffic Section

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.